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ice screws mostly come in a mix of sizes ranging from 10cm, 16cm, 19cm and 22cm. [grin] In some ways the answer to your question is; "as many screws as you can afford". but to be more realistic here's my thoughts:

you will always want to have at least 1 long screw on your harness to create a V-thread. the other 2 will be used for belays, wherever you can find a long screw placement. the mediums and shorts are for wherever is appropriate.

FWIW I know people who carry mostly 22cm screws, the idea being that you can always tie off a long screw. that's not my feeling, but YYMV depending on your experience.

BD actually makes 13cm screws as well, and this forms most of my rack. in good ice, they're just as strong as 16cm screws. they are lighter, and take slightly less time to place. some complain that they don't go deep enough into the good ice; as far as I'm concerned, if you aren't cleaning shitty ice off the surface to begin with, or aren't placing where the ice forms convexities, a 16cm screw won't help you

Now we know why it takes Al so long to declare a climb IN It's all those long screws My standard ice rack. 3. 10cm4. 13cm3. 16cm1. 19cm1. 22 cm

For the Lake I add 3 more 16cm to my standard rack unless it is febuary or march super sunny day in which case I trade out some of the shorter screws for 16cm and longer if they are available...

Tying off screws is REALLY BAD JU JU! much better off carrying shorter screws. they are just as bomber in good ice and give you so many more options in bad ice. Ever notice how you often hit air pockets with longer screws in free standing curtains. Next time that happens try a 13 or 10 and you might be supprised to find that you may get a solid placement in the outer layer without hitting air

You should be good to go on most routes with between 10-14 screws. I prefer bd turbos express, but in reality any coffee grinder type screw will work just fine. I prefer screws on the shorter side, but as a beginner I'd buy mostly bd gold and blues and one or two of the biggest. I only carry one 22 and that's only if I know the route needs to be v threaded. Otherwise, if you really need to bail in good ice the blue will hold or sacrifice a screw.

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DLottmann

I’m hoping to replace all my BD Express with the new Petzl screws which should hit stores in a week or two... but going off BD dimensions this is my ideal 10-screw rack (My OR rack carrier holds ten, and if I can’t do it with 10... well... I;m sure my partner has some screws I can borrow)

1 22cm for building v-threads (really this is super important IMO, may be used in anchor)2 19cm for anchors (but only 1 per anchor, utilizing the 22 or a 15 situation dependant)6 13cm for running pro (same thread count as BD 17cms, but lighter... you really shouldn’t be falling on ice climbing anyways)1 10cm for that thin placement you can’t tie off

If I am climbing hard thin than hoping my parter has some 13cms, but for “normal” New England conditions I think my 10 screw spread is mint... YMMV

I’m hoping to replace all my BD Express with the new Petzl screws which should hit stores in a week or two... but going off BD dimensions this is my ideal 10-screw rack (My OR rack carrier holds ten, and if I can’t do it with 10... well... I;m sure my partner has some screws I can borrow)

1 22cm for building v-threads (really this is super important IMO, may be used in anchor)2 19cm for anchors (but only 1 per anchor, utilizing the 22 or a 15 situation dependant)6 15cm for running pro (same thread count as BD 17cms, but lighter... you really shouldn’t be falling on ice climbing anyways)1 13cm for that thin placement you can’t tie off

If I am climbing hard thin than hoping my parter has some 13cms, but for “normal” New England conditions I think my 10 screw spread is mint... YMMV

The link below might be some food for thought when choosing ice screw brands. The food in this case would be deep dish pizza. Any way I found this over at NEIce and though I would share it here as well. Take it for what it is. We don't climb concrete but still interesting.